Regional Exchange March 2026

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ABOUT THE CONFERENCE

Western Balkans is entering a pivotal stage in its regional energy transformation. Following two years of intensive cooperation, knowledge exchange, and joint learning, Phase II of the “Decarbonisation of the Electricity Sector in the Western Balkans” project, commissioned by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development and implemented by GIZ, this new 3-year project marks a renewed commitment to accelerating the region’s energy transition, under the umbrella of the Regional Climate Partnership between Germany and the Western Balkans.

Under the theme “Building on Progress: Advancing the Energy Transition Pathway of the Western Balkans” this Kick-off Conference will bring together grid operators, regulators, ministries, international organisations, experts, and civil society partners from across the region. It offers a unique moment to reflect on progress, deepen cooperation, and collectively shape the way forward. Invited partners will be able to contribute and be part of:

A shared starting point for Phase II: A concise walkthrough of Phase I’s key results will help participants establish a common understanding of progress to date and jointly shape priorities for the next phase across regulatory, technological, and participation areas.

• A collaborative regional space: The conference offers a platform for open exchange, allowing stakeholders to connect, share experiences, compare challenges, and explore opportunities for coordinated action in Phase II.
• Shaping regional priorities: Through interactive discussions and expert input, participants will help identify and validate the priority areas that will guide regional cooperation over the next three years.
• Forward-looking insights: Drawing on German and international experience, the conference will showcase innovative approaches, regulatory developments, and practical solutions that can support higher renewable integration in the Western Balkans.
• Moving the transition forward: Phase II builds on the work initiated together, now with stronger cooperation, clearer priorities, and concrete steps toward a cleaner and sustainable energy future for the Western Balkans.

Objectives of the conference

1. Introduce the scope of Phase II and provide a comprehensive walkthrough of the key results from Phase I
2. Create a space for regional electricity-sector stakeholders and other relevant partners to exchange and connect to regionally cooperate for energy transition challenges and opportunities
3. Set the foundation for Phase II by identifying shared regional priorities across regulatory, technological, and participation areas of the energy transition

AGENDA

Arrival Day - 24 March 2026

Time
19.00-21.00	Welcoming reception, networking & market of opportunities Dinner will be served from 19:00 to 20:00. The welcoming reception will take place at Hotel Balcony and will also include the participation of two private companies, from 20:00 to 21:00.

Day 1 Conference - 25 March 2026

Time
08:45 – 09:15	Registration of participants
09:15 – 10:30	Welcoming panel – Advancing the Region’s Energy Transition Pathway Nicolas Heger, Project Director, GIZ Davor Bajs, Electricity Infrastructure Expert, Energy Community Secretariat Milica Knezevic, Regional Project Coordinator, KfW Jan Sedlacek, Legal Advisor System Operations, ENTSOE
10:30 – 10:50	Building on Results: Transitioning from Phase I to Phase II Presentation by: Nicolas Heger, Project Director, GIZ Overview of Phase I achievements and milestones Strategic direction, workstreams, and implementation roadmap for Phase II
10:50 – 11:20	Coffee Break
11:20 – 11:50	“Renewable Energy Disputes and Investment Arbitration in the Western Balkans” – key expert input Armela Ramić, Attorney, Ramic Law
11:50 – 12:20	“CBAM Outlook for the Western Balkans Electricity Sector” – key expert input Rouven Stubbe, Energy and Climate Policy Advisor, Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie
12:20 – 13:45	Lunch break
13:45 – 16:45	Co-Creating the Next Phase: Regional Pathways for Energy Transition Working sessions Coffee break will be served from 14:55 to 15:20 during the session.
16:45 – 17:00	Wrap up and closure of day II.
19:00 – 21:00	Dinner

Day 2 Conference - 26 March

Time
09:00 – 09:20	“Future of the grids in EU“- key expert input Goran Levačić, HOPS Croatian Transmission System Operator Plc.
09:20 – 10:20	Panel Discussion: Inclusive Prosumerism: Designing On-Grid Solutions that Work for Energy-Poor and Energy-Vulnerable Communities Ira Shefer, Manager Energy Systems, Renewable Grid Initiative   Aleksandar Macura, Co-founder, Programme Director, RES Foundation Ajla Cisija, Muncipality of Kakanj, Bosnia and Herzegovina Sebastian Jasim, Head of International Projects, German Renewable Energy Federation (BEE)
10:20 – 10:40	Coffee break
10:40 – 11:30	From Insights to Implementation: Defining Regional Action Areas Working sessions
11:30 – 11:40	Overview of the Tailored Support Call for Technical and Regulatory Partners Mario Jasic, Advisor, GIZ BiH
11:40 – 12:00	Wrap up and closure
12:00 – 13:00	Lunch and departure
19:00 – 21:00	Dinner for guests with a confirmed third-night stay.